Hotel Anna & Bel is boutique hotel, tucked away on the residential streets of Susquehanna & Belgrade in Fishtown, Philadelphia. Though the streets give the new hotel concept its name, the hotel’s brand narrative celebrates the two fictional sisters who are representative of the building that once served as a women’s asylum and later one of the city’s earliest retirement homes.

Built with ornate details and architectural flourish, the client fully renovated this 1769 “home for indigent widows and single women” and the property’s restoration has been thoughtfully considered, with the oversight of the Philadelphia Historical Commission, to preserve its historic character and original charm. Cohere was enlisted to conceptualize the entire brand identity, narrative, and creative materials. Cohere facilitated the strategy and advisory, guiding the property owner through the branding process, ultimately partnering with Life House Hotels on the operations and management.

Originally constructed in 1769 as “The Mansion House,” this remarkable property once served as an Asylum for Indigent Widows & Single Women. For the last 150 years, it was a cherished neighborhood retirement facility, “Penn Home,” until it closed its doors in 2020. Today, Hotel Anna & Bel is proud to offer an urban retreat in Fishtown, Philadelphia that honors the property’s rich history while providing guests with all the modern comforts they desire.

The essence of the Anna & Bel narrative shows itself throughout the brand with illustrative marks and thoughtful copy to create a brand has an alluring flare, an understated yet memorable point of view, and a light feminine touch. At the heart of the identity is a series of custom illustrations, paired with a classic sans-serif word mark.
The logo wordmark for Hotel Anna & Bel is clean, modern, and timeless, embodying the sophisticated yet approachable identity of the hotel. The design uses a sans-serif typeface with balanced proportions, emphasizing clarity and elegance. The ampersand serves as a central connecting element, subtly adding a touch of personality and character to the wordmark. The typography exudes elegance and approachability, featuring classic serif and sans-serif styles with modern touches. Paired with a muted, sophisticated color palette of soft neutrals and warm accents, the design evokes a sense of refined comfort and understated luxury.These visual elements act as symbolic nods to the building’s past, intertwining its legacy with the contemporary hospitality experience Anna & Bel offers today.